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Cynics will point at big rebates and claim they mean the vehicle isn’t selling, but that just exposes them as auto industry noobs. A rebate is a powerful finance tool that helps dealers overcome obstacles like negative equity, poor credit, down payment requirements, and interest rate objections – and, ultimately, get a deal done.

If you’re dealing with any of the above, pay attention: these plug-in cars could get you behind the wheel of a new ride sooner than you think!

As I was putting this list together, I realized there were plenty of ways for me to present this information. “Biggest EV incentive deals ..?” Not everyone qualifies for those. “Most stackable EV rebates ..?” Too much research. In the end, I went with national cash back offers and chose to present them in alphabetical order, by make. And, as for which deals are new this month? You’re just gonna have to read the article. Enjoy!

Audi Q4 E-Tron SUV | $5,000

2024 Audi Q4 E-Tron; via Audi.

Audi’s entry-level Q4 has long been a popular entry-luxe option for upwardly-mobile young adults looking step up from VW, and the latest Q4 E-Tron is no exception, offering a stylish upgrade from the more pedestrian ID.4. Through March 3rd, Audi will give buyers $5,000 to help the get into a new Q4 50 e-tron, Q4 55 e-tron, or Q4 Sportback e-tron.

Chrysler Pacifica | $7,500

2024 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Pinnacle; via Stellantis.

The VW ID.Buzz may have raised the bar when it comes to electrification, the OG plug-in hybrid Chrysler Pacifica minivan is still the king when it comes to cupholders, stow n’ go seating, and all the other practical, clever details that add up to remind you Chrysler invented these things.

Through March 3rd, you can get a $7,500 cash allowance plus up to $7,500 in Federal income tax credits on Pacific Plug-in Hybrid Select, S, and Pinnacle trim level vans – and that’s before any negotiations with your dealer.

Dodge Charger | $3,000

Dodge Charger Daytona comes to the rescue; "Save the Planet" marketing campaign launches across television and Dodge social media channels
Next-gen Dodge Charger; via Stellantis.

Wherever you find an Army recruiter slinging enlistment bonuses, you can almost bet your house there will be a salesman slinging high-powered Mopars nearby. As the auto industry transitions to electric, Dodge is hoping that some of those young new recruits, flush with cash, will find their way to a Dodge store and ask for the meanest, loudest, tire-shreddingest thing on the lot.

That would be the new electric Charger – and without much credit history, Private Rock will be relying on rebate money to meet his money down requirement. Now through March 3rd, Dodge will help him get there with a $3,000 rebate.

Jeep Wrangler 4xe | $8,000

2024 Jeep Wrangle 4xe; via Stellantis.

Jeep buyers who are stretching into a new vehicle will find incredible deals on a capable new Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. With its 17.3 kWh battery, the Wrangler offers up to 22 miles of all-electric driving on a full charge for emissions-free driving in town and 49 MPGe with supreme off-road capabilities outside of town.

Now through March 3rd, Jeep is helping you get behind the wheel of a new Jeep Wrangler 4xe with $8,000 Total Cash Allowance. That’s enough to meet even a relatively high 20% down payment requirement and those score those snazzy blue tow hooks, too!

Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe | $7,000

JGC 4xe; via Stellantis.

Looking for something a little more refined than that Wrangler? The deals are almost as good on the Grand Cherokee 4xe just a few feet away. Jeep dealers have $7,000 to help you get behind the wheel of one of those, too, and (again) that’s before the negotiations begin.

Kia EV6 | $19,500

Kia-EV6-GT-lease
2024 Kia EV6 GT; source: Kia.

Peter Johnson already did a great job covering this incredible cash back deal on Kia’s lickety-quick EV6, calling it a steal with nearly $20,000 off the MSRP. And, remember, the Kia EV6 was already a great deal – consider the context: a 2024 Kia EV6 GT starts at $61,600 (before discounts and incentives). A 2024 Ferrari Roma will run you about $245,000, while a new 2024 Lamborghini Huracan EVO Spyder starts at just over $300,000.

Of the three cars I just mentioned, the Kia is the quickest. Bet.

Kia EV9 | $11,000

Kia-EV9-output-US
Kia EV9; via Kia.

Young families shopping for a high-value three-row SUV that won’t break the bank when it’s time to top it off will appreciate the Kia EV9 for being a three-row EV from a mainstream brand with a great warranty, normal doors, and minimal ties to fascism.

If that sounds like you, you’ve probably already checked out the Kia EV9. You’re not alone. Kia keeps setting EV sales records. This month, you can get $11,000 cash back on GT-Line, Land, Light Long Range, Light Short Range, and Wind trim levels, which won’t do much to slow down sales!

Mercedes EQS | up to $15,000

Mercedes AMG EQS
Mercedes AMG EQS; via Mercedes.

Mercedes-Benz is globally renowned for its incredibly engineered Teutonic cruise missiles, and the AMG EQS is the company’s all-electric flagship, offering supercar levels of performance, industry-leading self driving capabilities, and a level of fit and finish matched only by Rolls-Royce, Lucid, and the cars at Riddler.

Unfortunately they styled their EVs to look more like suppositories that super sedans, and no amount of engineering can overcome ugly. As such, Mercedes’ electric engineering marvels have just been dying on dealer lots. To help turn the tide, Mercedes is offering huge discounts, subsidized interest rates, and loyalty cash in a bid to make something – anything – convince a curious MB buyer to take a flyer on an EQE or EQS.

Our own Michelle Lewis reported a $15,000 discount on the $148,700 AMG sedan, with lesser Mercedes scoring similar 10-15% discounts.

Nissan LEAF | $7,500

Nissan-LEAF
2024 Nissan LEAF; via Nissan.

The inspiration for this article was a hypothetical $9,140 Nissan LEAF deal. It’s less a deal for everyone and more a deal I hastily concocted while walking the floor of the 2025 Chicago Auto Show, but the fact remains that even with “just” $7,500 cash back, the $28,140 $20,640 Nissan LEAF is one of the most affordable new cars you can buy in the US. If you can score some additional local incentives and dealer discounts, so much the better.

Disclaimer: the vehicle models and rebate deals above were sourced from CarsDirectCarEdge, and (where mentioned) the OEM websites – and were current as of 13FEB2025. Despite my best efforts to filter these, some deals may not be available in your market, or be stackable with every other discount, or to every buyer (the standard “with approved credit” fine print should be considered implied). Check with your local dealer(s) for more information.

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The electric Jeep Compass may be a pipe dream after all

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The electric Jeep Compass may be a pipe dream after all

Jeep is reconsidering plans to launch an electric Compass in North America. The next-gen Jeep Compass is officially on pause after Stellantis temporarily halted operations at its Brampton Assembly Plant, where the current SUV is built, to take a closer look at its strategy in North America.

Is Jeep canceling the electric Compass in the US?

Stellantis froze all activities at the Brampton plant on Thursday, including work on the next-gen Jeep Compass. The company said the sudden halt was over “today’s dynamic environment.”

In an email to Ontario newspaper Windsor Star, Stellantis’s head of communications for Canada, Lou Ann Gosselin, said, “As we navigate today’s dynamic environment, Stellantis continues to reassess its product strategy in North America.”

Gosselin added that Stellantis’s decision is “to ensure it is offering customers a range of vehicles with flexible powertrain options to best meet their needs.”

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The pause is temporary, and the decision will not impact operations at the Windsor facility. The Brampton plant has been down since December 2023 for retooling as part of Stellantis plans to build EVs, including an electric Jeep Compass.

Stellantis confirmed in October that the next-gen Jeep Compass will be available with electric, hybrid, and gas-powered powertrains as part of its “Freedom of Choice” strategy.

electric-Jeep-Compass
Jeep teases the electric Compass for the first time (Source: Stellantis)

The Compass is Jeep’s “most globally available model,” according to Gosselin. Later this year, the next-gen model will still debut in Europe, with production slated to begin in Melfi, Italy. Stellantis previously said production would expand to North America and around the world.

Jeep-electric-SUV
Jeep Wagoneer S (Source: Stellantis)

Stellantis initially planned to begin building the next-gen Jeep Compass, including an electric version for North America, in the fourth quarter of 2025. Mass production was slated for 2026.

Lana Payne, Unfor national president, the union behind workers at the plant, said the “timing of this announcement raises very serious concerns.” Payne added:

The chaos and uncertainty plaguing the North American auto industry, which is under the constant threat of tariffs and a dismantling of EV regulations from the United States, are having real-time impacts on workers and corporate decisions.

Although Stellantis didn’t mention US President Trump or tariffs as a factor, Unifor Local 444 president James Stewart told the Windsor Star, “There’s no doubt the Trump administration’s EV policies are having an effect.”

Stewart explained the pause comes as Stellantis reassesses what powertrain options to offer for the next-gen Compass.

Jeep-Recon-EV-launch
Jeep Recon EV (Source: Stellantis)

Stellantis still plans to return to a three-shift operation, aiming to start operations early next year. The plant was once home to iconic models, like the Dodge Challenger, Charger, and Chrysler 300, all of which are now discontinued. The electric Dodge Charger Daytona is made at its Windsor plant.

Jeep launched its first electric SUV in North America, the Wagoneer S, last year and will introduce the more rugged, Wrangler-like Recon EV later this year. As for an electric Jeep Compass, those of us in the US and Canada will have to wait to hear more.

Electrek’s Take

Stellantis is already struggling in North America. Sales fell another 15% last year to just over 1.3 million, with every brand, except for Fiat, selling significantly fewer vehicles.

Jeep brand sales fell 9% in the US, Ram sales fell 19%, Dodge sales fell 29%, Alfa Romeo sales fell 19%, and Chrysler sales were down 7% in 2024.

Although Trump’s tariffs threats are likely one of the biggest reasons behind Stellantis’s decision, it will likely only put it back further in the long run. The industry will still progress toward electric vehicles, while automakers stalling now will get left behind with more advanced, software-driven models from China, South Korea, etc.

Behind the Cherokee and Wrangler, the Compass was Jeep’s third best-selling vehicle in the US last year. Sales were up 16% to nearly 111,700, but Jeep will need an answer soon with new electric options hitting the market over the next few years.

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Tesla deliveries expected to go down to levels not seen in more than 2 years

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Tesla deliveries expected to go down to levels not seen in more than 2 years

Tesla deliveries are expected to decrease this quarter to levels not seen in more than two years. We have to go back to 2022 to see the delivery volume the automaker is expected to deliver.

Time to worry for Tesla shareholders?

Prediction markets are entering the game of setting expectations for Tesla’s quarterly deliveries.

These markets use financial incentives, similar to betting, to predict specific outcomes. They became extremely popular during the latest US elections and have since expanded to predict a lot more outcomes ranging from sports to business to virtually anything.

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Kalshi, one of the biggest prediction markets, has been running markets to predict Tesla’s quarterly deliveries that already gathered half a million in volumes.

It currently predicts that Tesla will deliver 359,000 vehicles in Q1 2025:

This would be down 7% year-over-year and a massive 27% down quarter-over-quarter.

In fact, you have to go back more than two years, Q3 2022, to get a quarter when Tesla delivered fewer vehicles than what is expected this quarter:

As we previously reported, Tesla’s sales are crashing in Europe this quarter – down by as much as 50%.

In China, Tesla’s most important market, sales are down slightly year-over-year.

The US is the most opaque market, and it will be the difference maker this quarter.

Electrek’s Take

This quarter would finally be the time to prove to Tesla shareholders that Elon is bad for Tesla. Unfortunately, they will blame the poor performance on the Model Y changeover, which will definitely impact Tesla negatively, but nowhere near that level.

I think it’s clear that the Elon effect is also working its magic here.

We know it since it’s not the first time Tesla has done a changeover. Now, it’s true that it’s the first time for a Model Y, which is Tesla’s best-selling vehicle, but the impact is more significant than when Tesla had factory shutdowns and supply chain issues last year.

The earnings are going to be even worse, but they will blame that on the new Model Y too.

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Rivian is recalling over 17,000 R1S and R1T vehicles due to faulty headlights

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Rivian is recalling over 17,000 R1S and R1T vehicles due to faulty headlights

Rivian issued a recall for over 17,000 vehicles on Friday due to a headlight issue that only occurs in cold weather. The recall impacts certain 2025 R1S SUV and R1T electric pickup models. Luckily, it should be an easy fix.

Rivian issues a recall for 2025 R1S and R1T vehicles

In a letter sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Rivian said it planned to recall 17,260 R1S and R1T vehicles.

The safety notice comes after the company found the headlights on certain 2025 models did not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”

In cold weather, the headlight low beams might not illuminate once the vehicle is started. A message on the driver display will pop up, saying, “Low beam lights not working.” The issue only occurred in colder climates.

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Rivian said it’s unaware of any crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to the recall. The 2025 R1S and R1T models were built with incorrectly figured parts from its supplier between April 29, 2024, and February 03, 2025.

Rivian-recall-R1S-R1T
Rivian R1T (left) and R1S (right) electric vehicles (Source: Rivian)

For those impacted, Rivian will replace the headlight control module free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed out on March 28, 2025.

If you have questions, you can contact Rivian’s customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian’s recall number is FSAM-1612. You can also contact the NHTSA hotline at 888-327-4236 or visit NHTSA.gov for more information.

Rivian-recall-R1S-R1T
Production at Rivian’s Normal, IL plant (Source: Rivian)

The recall comes after Rivian posted its first positive gross profit in the fourth quarter, a big milestone as the EV maker aims to hit its next growth stage.

Rivian delivered 51,579 vehicles in 2024, but as it prepares to introduce its mass-market R2 electric SUV, the company expects a slight dip in 2025, forecasting between 46,000 and 51,000. A big part of this is due to plans to retool its Normal, IL manufacturing plant to prepare for the R2, which will launch in the first half of 2026. The midsize electric SUV will start at around $45,000, or almost half the R1S ($77,700) and R1T ($71,700).

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